Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Jim Schellinger and officials from Transpoint Intermodal LLC broke ground today on a new $13.5 million cargo transfer facility on Fort Wayne’s southeast side, where the company plans to create up to 64 new jobs by the end of 2019.

“The City of Fort Wayne continues to be a leader in job and business growth with a commitment to enhancing innovative economic development opportunities in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “Transpoint’s investment in southeast Fort Wayne is a tremendous win for our City and the region. It will result in good jobs for local residents, help attract more related businesses such as distribution centers and provide another consistent and cost-effective transportation option for key employers throughout our region.”

The new Transpoint facility will be the first of its kind in northeast Indiana and will be located on approximately 74 acres near the intersection of Adams Center and Paulding roads. It will be developed as an intermodal ramp used to load and unload international shipping containers from truck-to-rail or rail-to-truck. The anticipated 64 full-time, permanent jobs will have an average annual salary of approximately $50,000.

“Transpoint Intermodal and its investors are pleased to make this investment in Northeast Indiana because we are convinced this is a needed service that will enhance shipping options in to and out of the region,” stated CEO Jorge Medina. “We’re proud to bring our experience to this area, and even prouder of the partnership we have formed with the State of Indiana, the City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission.”

“Here in Indiana, we know that roads mean jobs, and that is especially true for our growing logistics industry,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Global companies like Transpoint Intermodal are choosing Indiana for job creation because of our state’s central location, our continued investments in infrastructure, and our efforts to create a pro-growth business climate. Across the state, logistics firms are creating quality jobs for Hoosiers while serving customers across the world because Indiana is a state that works.”

Construction on the facility is anticipated to be complete by April 2017 with operations beginning in May 2017. Transpoint Intermodal, LLC is headquartered in Indianapolis and currently operates container terminals in Mexico. The Fort Wayne facility represents Transpoint’s first U.S. investment. The Fort Wayne operation will be part of a global system specializing in moving containers to and from the Far East through the traditional Chicago ramps, resulting in savings for customers. The Fort Wayne hub will be complemented by a hub currently planned for the Valparaiso, Indiana area.

The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission sold the majority of the land where the transfer facility will be built to Transpoint Intermodal LLC at a reduced rate of $2,000 an acre. The Commission acquired the land at no cost in March 2004 after the Adams Center Landfill closed. The Fort Wayne City Council approved a tax phase-in (abatement) for Transpoint on June 7, 2016. The Commission has been working with Transpoint for the last several years to make this development a reality.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Transpoint Intermodal LLC up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s investment and job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.

The Transpoint intermodal facility is being constructed by Hagerman, Inc. Transpoint engaged GAI Consultants, Inc. for permitting and engineering work. MartinRiley architects + engineers designed specific structures necessary for the operation of the facility.